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From School Library Journal

May 24, 2024

Gr 5 Up-A collection of 13 stories, each written by a different author, centering ordinary characters with semi-extraordinary powers. The superpower is often small and easily missed by others, but can be inconvenient to the main character. When Meg Medina's Carla Perez, who has the power to shapeshift into a guinea pig, finds herself in a position where she must shift quickly, it requires removing all her clothes before doing so: "Geez! If anybody finds me in puris naturalibis and with my head in a cage, I'll be a guidance department case with no hope for parole." In Daniel Nayeri's dialogic entry, a boy grapples with a demon attached to his body in the shape of a claw. The line-up is full of notable authors, including Linda Sue Park, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi, and the majority of the entries are quite humorous. This book contains some language and imagery that may invoke some negative or scared feelings, and therefore may not be appropriate for younger children. Comic-panel artwork by Krosoczka is dispersed throughout. Diverse characters appear in each chapter. VERDICT This entertaining collection of stories is certain to keep readers interested from beginning to end. Great for those who love superheroes, short story collections, and humor.-Tracy Cronce

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Horn Book

March 1, 2024
This imaginative collection presents thirteen stories from an all-star team of authors, including Nikki Grimes, Pam Mu�oz Ryan, and Linda Sue Park. A heartfelt introduction by the coeditors sets up the theme and through line: these are short stories of middle-school kids growing in self-knowledge and empathy as they realize that they each have some sort of gift. ("Because everyone has a power, and that power matters, no matter how small or inconvenient it may seem.") The compilation is cleverly organized into two parts: "The Power of Discovering Who We Are" and "The Power of Being Who We Are." Abilities portrayed include time-jumping, shape-shifting, telepathy, the courage to speak truth to power, the ability to sense when avocados are ripe, and more. In Kyle Lukoff's story, a child learns to take steps to trust and affirm his own wishes about his gender identity; in Mitali Perkins's, a chameleon gives a girl magical cultural code-switching abilities. Whether big or small, silly or serious (or both), every power is brought to life through a nuanced, diverse cast of characters and entertaining, thought-provoking plots. While the narratives lean whimsical, this entire project offers readers a careful, serious, and profound invitation to reflect on issues of identity, responsibility, social justice, and the myriad ways that people's gifts -- in both perception and application -- can affect others' lives, relationships, and the wider world. Illustrations not seen. Elisa Gall

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Kirkus

February 15, 2024
A collection of 13 short stories by acclaimed authors for young people featuring kids who use real and imagined superpowers to positively affect their lives and those of others. The kids in these entries are dealing with many common challenges: wanting to fit in, feeling shy, longing for real friendships, and developing courage. In Pablo Cartaya's "2.4 Seconds to Sonder," Maximiliano has become accustomed to fading into the background: His time-jumping abilities take him into the bodies of "random extras in history," but he learns that "nobody's life is random or pointless," whether they're noticed or not. In Nikki Grimes' "Shift," which is told in poetry form, Imara uses her shape-shifting abilities to try to blend in with the mean girls at her school, but this doesn't make her happy. She learns an important lesson: "Who are they to say / I'm not perfect / exactly the way I am?" In Pam Mu�oz Ryan's "Matchmaker," Sofia Delvechio uses mystical powers from her family's matchmaking business to build a friendship network and help others. This collection of stories, which is divided into two sections--"The Power of Discovering Who We Are" and "The Power of Being Who We Are"--is broadly appealing; the diversity of characters, powers, and voices serves to highlight the protagonists' inner lives and the importance that relationships play in helping them develop their senses of self. Final art not seen. An engaging and imaginative look at the powers of childhood. (Anthology. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Booklist

Starred review from February 15, 2024
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* Heavy-hitting, notable writers join forces in a memorable collection of short stories "about middle-school kids who discover in themselves some sort of small superpower." And by "small," the authors took this assignment seriously. These aren't characters who can lift cars or fly, but, rather, consist of an emotionally intuitive time jumper with no control over which host body he'll inhabit, a restaurateur's daughter whose ability to magically discern perfectly ripe avocados saves their bottom line, and even a lonely seventh-grader whose "right arm is now possessed of a . . . demon in the shape of a claw." And there are rodents. So many rodents. In other words, these are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique, and empathetic lessons follow. The book's 13 digestible, independent stories are divided into two sections, the first featuring characters gazing inward toward self-acceptance, and the second with kids harnessing their potential to serve their community's greater good. Numerous award-winning contributors (think Meg Medina, Kyle Lukoff, and coeditor Schmidt) keep delightfully inclusive and accomplished company in this emotionally grounded, compassionate collection that's perfect for sharing alongside Flying Lessons & Other Stories (2017), edited by Ellen Oh, and the authors' individual works. Interstitial art was unavailable for review.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From AudioFile Magazine

Gary Tiedemann and Greta Jung deftly portray the 13 middle schoolers with unique superpowers featured in these stories written by some of today's most popular authors. The diverse characters express themes of self-discovery and empathy, and the narrators fully embrace each role. Tiedemann, as Maximiliano, candidly describes time-jumping randomly into the bodies of others. Then Tiedemann becomes Corwin, a deeply concerned empath who is determined to help a classmate who is in emotional need. As Sophia, Greta Jung reflects upon stepping into the role of matchmaker, which her family has held for generations. Then Jung presents Gabby, an empathic advocate who refuses to allow unfairness to exist around her. The narrators make these stories engaging and accessible for the target audience. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine